Abstract
A lock for a gooseneck style trailer may present a tow-ball interface on a base plate with an associated rod interface. The rod may be inserted through one of a plurality of holes along a circumference of the base plate so as to also interface with structure on the trailer. The rod then may be locked into position with a locking mechanism.
Claims
1. A trailer lock for a gooseneck trailer, the trailer lock comprising: a. a base plate; b. at least one interface hole proximate a circumference of the base plate; c. a hitch ball mounted proximate the center of the base plate; d. a lock rod having a block on one end and an interface for a lock on another end; wherein the hitch ball is inserted within a throat of the gooseneck trailer and the lock rod through at least one interface hole in a manner to extend into latching structure of the gooseneck trailer whereupon it may then be locked in position, thus arresting movement of the latching structure and securing the lock plate against the gooseneck trailer.
2. The trailer lock of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of interface holes, selectable dependent upon the fit of the trailer lock with the gooseneck trailer.
3. The trailer lock of claim 2, the plurality of interface holes each having unique radii from the hitch ball.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components for one embodiment of a trailer lock according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 1, assembled.
[0013] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1 about to interface with a trailer's throat.
[0014] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 3a, assembled about a trailer throat.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the lock and throat of FIG. 3a, taken along line 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the trailer lock is herein described. It should be noted that the articles a, an, and the, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0017] With reference to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a lock 100 features a tow ball structure 120 mounted generally centrally on a metal base plate 110. Base plate 110 is generally round, but has one side that is more pronounced. This side may present at least one, but possibly a plurality of interface holes 115. If a plurality of interface holes 115 are present, each one may be a different distance from the center of the tow ball structure 120. In this manner, the lock 100 may be fitted to different models of trailers. It is of course also possible to custom drill an interface hole. A rod or lock pin 130 may then be inserted through an appropriate interface hole 115 and secured with a padlock 140 or some other similar device (FIG. 2). While other devices may be used instead off a padlock 140, this Specification will continue to use the term padlock and this term should not be seen as limiting.
[0018] In use, shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the base plate 110 with the tow ball structure 120 may then be presented to the throat of a trailer hitching structure 150. Such structures usually have, attachment mechanism comprising a securement handle 157 which interfaces with a movable block 155 and the remaining hitch structure on a towing vehicle. Normally, the movable block 155 moves to accommodate the tow ball's insertion and moves back into place to secure it. The securement handle 157, then is inserted into a hole in the movable block 155 to hold it in place.
[0019] The tow ball structure 120 is inserted into the throat (FIG. 4) and is held in place by the block 155. At this point, a user's hands are both free to manipulate the remaining components of the lock 100. Lock pin 130 is inserted through an appropriate interface hole 115 and the hole in the block 155 and secured by padlock 140. Lock pin 130 may be of any length, so long as it may pass though both the base plate 110 and block 155 and still be secured. In the event that the lock pin 130 is cut, the position of the lock pin and the lock 140 within the securement structure of the hitch's latching mechanism still prevents removal. By proper placement of the padlock 140, access to it for cutting is also difficult. Positioning of the base plate 110 close to the block 155 prevents access to the lock pin 130 between these structures.
[0020] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
